HS2 releases striking viaduct designs

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Credit: HS2/Martin Knight
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Designs for what will be one of the longest viaducts in the UK have been presented by HS2.

The Colne Valley viaduct will be one of the biggest structures on the Phase One route between London and Birmingham.

Concept graphics have been produced by architects Martin Knight in consultation with the Colne Valley Regional Park Panel and the HS2 Independent Design Panel.

Further design work still needs to be carried out by the contractor, Align, before the design can be finalised.

The viaduct concept document includes various options for the new structure. A public consultation for these designs is expected to take place this spring.

HS2 has said a lot of work has gone into creating something which fits in with the landscape and minimises impact on the surrounding environment.

Credit: HS2/Martin Knight.

Chair of the Colne Valley Regional Park Panel, Jim Barclay, said other steps were being taken to mitigate the viaduct’s impact on the Colne Valley area.

He said: “As well as the viaduct itself, the concept document also explores innovative ideas for additional elements such as transparent noise-reduction barriers with vertical lines which are visible to bats and wildfowl to reduce possible impacts, whilst creating a slimmer side profile of the viaduct.”

HS2 programme director, Mike Hickson, added: “The Colne Valley viaduct will be one of the longest viaducts in the UK, and one of HS2’s best-known structures.

“We are pleased and grateful for the work done by Martin Knight Architects, the Colne Valley Regional Park Panel and the HS2 Independent Design Panel to produce this potential scheme design.

“We have every confidence that our contractor, Align, will continue this collaborative approach and engagement, as they now develop their own scheme and then detailed design of this significant structure.”


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